Foshan has been well known for its ceramics since the Ming dynasty, although it was forced to cease production during the Cultural Revolution.

Foshan had a ¥0.8 trillion gross domestic product in 2015, raising its per capita GDP past $10,000.] Shunde District in particular has a high standard of living, with its 3,000+ electronical appliance factories responsible for more than half of the world's air conditioners and refrigerators.[12] Foshan now has more than 30 towns specialized in particular industries, including furniture, machinery, and beverages.

The Foshan Hi-Tech Development Zone was founded in 1992. Its total planned area is 7.55 km2 (2.92 sq mi). The zone is very close to the national highway G325 as well as Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. The major industries in the zone including automobile assembly, biotechnology and chemicals processing.[13]